updated 03:15 pm EDT, Fri March 13, 2009

Monster iPod shuffle Plans

Monster Cable today pledged new versions of its headphones that would support the third-generation iPod shuffle. The company's existing Beats and Turbine headphones, as well as unspecified new models, will all get an in-line control to navigate tracks as well as to trigger VoiceOver. An adapter is also planned to let any headphone from any company share the same features.

The company isn't specific about product details but does say it should start rolling out the new add-ons inside of the "next few months." The company joins Klipsch, Scosche and V-MODA in having promised iPod shuffle support since Apple's launch on Wednesday.

A great part of iPod non-shuffles is the user interface. If the shuffle really has no UI and buying the headphones I want will put my cost over $100, then why would I not buy a sub-$40 player that has serial and random play and then use my own headphones? Considering the 80/20 rule, what real value am I getting with the new shuffle?

I hope these companies aren't idiots and end up putting the controls (that will wear out) on the cables!!! Please just make an adapter to plug the phones into!!! Otherwise, those 100 - 300 dollar phones are worthless once the little controller stops working!!!